In many US cities, eviction rates are 50% higher than they were before the pandemic.
If you're an Orlando-based landlord, you don't need us to tell you how stressful the eviction process is. Evicting a tenant is one of the biggest causes of landlord stress around the country and Orlando is no different. Having to evict a tenant means that you're approach to tenant screening is fundamentally flawed.
Screening your tenants is the best way to avoid evictions, but it's not the only way. By performing rental property inspections, you can keep an eye on your tenants and deter poor behavior. Today, we'll explain how these inspections work and how often you should be doing them, so keep reading and learn how to better manage your investment.
What Are Rental Property Inspections?
When it comes to rental property inspections, you've basically got two main types: the move-in/move-out inspection and any inspection you do during the tenancy.
At the start of every tenancy, you'll perform a move-in inspection with your tenant. These protect both parties - you from damage a tenant might cause and the tenant from being charged for damage they didn't cause.
At the end of the tenancy, you perform a move-out inspection. This is the same process, but make note of any new damage that the tenant caused. If you collect a security deposit from the tenant, you'll use some or all of it to pay for repairs.
Local Laws Around Property Inspections
When you conduct an inspection, it's important to follow local laws. The main laws around inspections say that landlords must give their tenants at least 12 hours notice before entering the property. Failing to do so could result in serious penalties for the landlord.
There are no rules around how often you can perform an inspection. That said, you want to respect your tenant's right to privacy and quiet enjoyment, which is their right when they pay you rent. If a tenant feels that you're infringing upon their rights, they may report you to the housing authority.
Keep inspections to a minimum unless you suspect your tenant is violating your lease agreement. If this is the case, make sure you know how to look for signs of damage, unauthorized pets/tenants, and illegal activity. Should you find evidence against your tenant, the next step is to file an eviction.
How They Can Improve the Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Tenants can request that you perform property inspections when they have concerns about property maintenance. You should always promptly respond to these requests because they're important for the landlord-tenant relationship.
Tackling maintenance issues right away is a great way to retain your best tenants. If you let your property fall into disrepair, good tenants will leave and you'll be left with rental vacancies.
The Role of Property Management
Whether you're keeping an eye on a bad tenant or you've got a great tenant that you're trying to keep happy, rental property inspections can be a lot of work. If you're overwhelmed by your landlord duties, it's time to hire a property manager.
PMI Prime Home is Orlando's top property management company and part of one of the largest management firms in the country. We can help you with everything from property inspections to maintenance, so contact us today to learn more.
